[Patti_M]

Has anyone had Ricoh or authorized servicer repair the Aperture Block Failure? How much did it cost?

[pepperberry farm]

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/189-repairs-warranty-service/334112-k30-a...-repaired.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/189-repairs-warranty-service/322148-has-y...yed-fixed.html

[Patti_M]

As a follow-up, should I choose to replace my camera (I hate the thought of it), the K-50 looks affordable but has a history of the same aperture issue as my K-30. Does anyone know if Pentax/Ricoh has done anything to address this glitch on the newer K-50s?

---------- Post added 12-18-16 at 07:28 AM ----------

You had yours repaired? If it's not too personal, would you give me a ballpark of the cost?

[pepperberry farm]

I have a K-50 with over 20k shutter actuations on it - no aperture block failure; if I were to replace my K-30/50, I would be looking at either a K-70 or a K-3II...

[Patti_M]

I have a K-50 with over 20k shutter actuations on it - no aperture block failure; if I were to replace my K-30/50, I would be looking at either a K-70 or a K-3II...

I'm going to see if I can find a repair shop first and get an idea of what it would cost. If I understand you, your repair has held so far. The K-70 looks nice, but sadly, it's out of my price range. I could get a K-50 for about $200 less. But I wonder if Pentax/Ricoh has done anything to resolve this Aperture failure on the newer cameras. Thank you for your responses...

[UncleVanya]

My k50 was sold. I don't know anything about the state of the repair. I also don't recall hearing anyone who repaired one saying it failed twice.

[bigdavephoto]

Has anyone had Ricoh or authorized servicer repair the Aperture Block Failure? How much did it cost?

Your best bet is the first link that pepperberry farm posted. They will repair the aperture block for a flat 100 dollars plus return shipping. They also give you a 1 year warranty on the repair.


Here is the link to the repair service itself.


Pentax Camera Repair - Aperture Control Repair

[Patti_M]

Your best bet is the first link that pepperberry farm posted. They will repair the aperture block for a flat 100 dollars plus return shipping. They also give you a 1 year warranty on the repair.


Here is the link to the repair service itself.


Pentax Camera Repair - Aperture Control Repair

Thanks! The downside for me is that I live in Canada. I'm going to check some places here first. If I strike out or if they are prohibitively expensive, I may still contact this guy. I really appreciate the advice.

---------- Post added 12-19-16 at 02:05 AM ----------

Regarding trading up, I know there are newer models out there now. Maybe I am thinking in an old-fashioned way. My previous SLR (a Pentax LX) lasted me a very long time. I expected my first DSLR to do the same. This camera (the K-30) has been so good to me. I took it to Norway in 2013 and got some of the best photos I've ever taken. I hate to part with it after only 4 years.

[Jonathan Mac]

$100 seems like a good deal to me but if you're going to replace it I'd go for either a used K5II or K3 or get the newer K70 or K-S2.

[reh321]

Regarding trading up, I know there are newer models out there now. Maybe I am thinking in an old-fashioned way. My previous SLR (a Pentax LX) lasted me a very long time. I expected my first DSLR to do the same. This camera (the K-30) has been so good to me. I took it to Norway in 2013 and got some of the best photos I've ever taken. I hate to part with it after only 4 years.

Old fashioned is truly old. Back in the day, my Pentax Super Program lasted me eleven years ... but I had the capability to change the sensor, potentially every 36 exposures, any time Kodak developed a new one. Those times are past.

[Patti_M]

Old fashioned is truly old. Back in the day, my Pentax Super Program lasted me eleven years ... but I had the capability to change the sensor, potentially every 36 exposures, any time Kodak developed a new one. Those times are past.

Sad. If I did this right, here attached is my "old" camera. Biggest drawback these days is availability/cost of film.

---------- Post added 12-20-16 at 01:17 AM ----------

Sorry that pic was so big! Don't see a way to fix it now. :/

[jimfellows]

Has anybody had Precision do a repair on there camera with this issue? Any chance it may be a "better" fix as they are an authorized repair shop?

Jim Fellows

[clackers]

Has anybody had Precision do a repair on there camera with this issue? Any chance it may be a "better" fix as they are an authorized repair shop?

Jim Fellows

It's up to you, Jim.

They'll probably replace the whole aperture block, so it will cost more.

The $100 guy might just tinker with or replace the solenoid.

Note that only a minority of K-30, K-50, K-500, K-S1 and K-S2 owners reported this problem, even in the selection bias of an internet poll.

[Patti_M]

For anyone who is interested, my K-30 is in the shop as we speak. I found a shop in Toronto, authorized for Pentax/Ricoh. The cost estimate is $188 before tax. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.